Harrisburg, PA – On March 5, 2025, an ecumenical group of faith leaders offered“Ashes-to-Go,” at the foot of the front steps to the state Capitol.
This inclusive event was open to all, regardless of faith tradition.
Ashes-to-Go provides an opportunity for individuals to receive the mark of ashes on their foreheads — a powerful symbol of repentance, reflection, and renewal — in a welcoming, ecumenical, time-flexible setting. Designed to be accessible for all, local pastors and lay leaders will meet people where they are, especially for those who may not have time to attend traditional Ash Wednesday services.
In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday marks the start of the holy season of Lent, a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter.
For centuries, Christians have received a cross of ashes on the forehead at the beginning of that season as a reminder of mortal failings and an invitation to receive God’s forgiveness. 
Ashes-to-Go provides the opportunity to participate in that tradition for people who have lost their connection to a church or have never participated before. Ecumenical partners, including the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) as well as area congregations, have been offering ashes to go at the Capitol for nine years, with an interruption during the pandemic, but this year, it feels particularly significant, said LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale.
“The rite serves as a reminder of what unites humankind as well as an invitation to extend forgiveness and move beyond division,” said DePasquale. “The ashes we receive here are to remind us of what we most deeply share: our common humanity and our need for grace. They invite us to look at ourselves and our neighbors in a different way, and start a Lenten journey of reflection, reconciliation and acts of kindness.”
“Ashes to Go is an opportunity for the church to meet people where they spend most of their time- out in the community, engaged in work, in the busy-ness of our daily lives,” said The Rt. Rev. Dr. Audrey C. Scanlan, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. “On Ash Wednesday, the day in which we begin the holy season of Lent, we invite this intersection of church and community, with a spirit of humility and respect.”
“We’re offering this moment for all who seek it, whether they belong to a particular faith or simply wish to pause and reflect,” said the Rev. Erin Jones, LAMPa’s Communications and Advocacy Engagement Manager.
